blog 4 - environment in story

The power of the landscape in The Curlew’s Eye

‘Those old paperbarks, the black cockatoo, the boulders down by the creek. They’re the fabric underneath, holding us, know it or not.’ (p133)

 The environment is very much a driving force in this novel, communicating with Greta. Nature is a potent presence, steering the days and nights. The landscape has a will, an ancient knowing, and a current urgency. As well as being awe-inspiring and at times frightening, it nurtures and teaches.

I’m very interested in how the environment and people engage with each other, especially when people are unfamiliar with a place — how the outer landscape works on the inner one.

 As Greta explores the property, she’s intrigued by the life cycle of the cycads, the eeriness of pandanus at night, and the ancient rocks – stromatolytes, sandstone boulders and formations. The place enchants her, and is very much part of her journey into her own psyche.

I enjoy walking through the bush with my thoughts, and take pictures, like a visual diary. Photos help me return to a sense of place when I’m writing. I always have a notebook in my back pocket, too!

photos by KM

Questions

How does the environment speak to you?

What is one of the most powerful natural places you have experienced? I’d love to see a photo of it.

What role did you feel the environment, landscape, plant life and animals have in The Curlew’s Eye?

For me Kaye Aldenhoven’s poetry is very NT environment. Is there a particular author, artist or poet whose work speaks to you about nature and the landscape in a special way? What is it that particularly impacts you?